Inspection Report

Business Name
El Taco Tote
Business Address
3464 W CAMELBACK RD PHOENIX AZ 85017
Permit Number
FD-09802
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
2/12/2025
Grade
B
Priority Violation
0
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 28

Description: Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly Stored

Comments:

7-202.11 - Priority Foundation: Restriction-Presence and Use Addl Notes: Observed two cans of Hotshot insecticide spray in water heater room of establishment. All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. Discussed risk of toxic contamination with Person in Charge (PIC). PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 33

Description: Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature Control

Comments:

3-501.15 (A) - Priority Foundation: Cooling Methods. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. Addl Notes: Observed internal temperature of shredded Muenster cheese at 54°F, per probe thermometer, inside prep cooler next to cookline. PIC stated that the cheese was shredded 30 minutes prior to inspection and placed into walk-in cooler. Per PIC, some cheese was then separated into smaller container and placed into prep cooler. TCS foods must be cooled to 41°F or below in equipment designed to rapidly cool. PIC removed cheese from prep cooler and placed container into walk-in cooler to rapidly cool to 41°F. Discussed cooling methods with PIC. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 54

Description: Garbage/Refuse Properly Disposed; Facilities Maintained

Comments:

5-501.115 - Core: Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures Addl Notes: Observed excess buildup of refuse surrounding dumpster. Storage area and enclosure shall be maintained free of unnecessary items and clean. Discussed with PIC increasing cleaning frequency of dumpster enclosure and limiting pest attractants. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Discussed time control requirements and general use food container labeling.

"A" for Food Safety

Through our grading system, Maricopa County Environmental Services Department provides at-a-glance indications of how food establishments perform during food safety inspections. This system is designed to grade food establishments in terms of food safety requirements and provide recognition to those who choose to participate.

How does it work?

The issuance of grade cards to food establishments is based on voluntary participation. The person in charge, who is present during the inspection, will be asked whether they would like to participate in the Grading System. This will be decided prior to each inspection. If an establishment does not participate in the Grading System, Not Participating or NP will appear on the inspection report, and the inspection will still occur. If an establishment does participate, a grade of A, B, C, or D will be determined at the conclusion of the inspection using the Grading System chart below. Participating establishments will then be provided with a grade card that can be posted in the establishment. The status of the establishment’s grade will also appear on the Restaurant Ratings page of the department’s website.

How can I determine the grade?

The Grading System chart can be used to determine grades earned for establishments that do not participate. Grades are determined by the number of Priority and Priority Foundation violations received at the time of inspection. Violation types are defined in general terms below.

Definitions

Priority Violation
Major violation that directly contributes to increasing the risk of foodborne illness or injury (e.g. Food employees do not properly wash hands when required).
Priority Foundation Violation
Minor violation that does not directly contribute to an increased risk of foodborne illness but failure to correct this violation may lead to the occurrence of a priority violation. For example, hand washing soap and paper towels not available at hand wash sink (may lead directly to food employees not properly washing hands when required).
Core Violation
Minor violation that relates to general maintenance and sanitation (e.g. No sign reminding employees to wash hands).
Cutting Edge Program
All county food-related establishments can partner with Maricopa County to implement a proactive approach to reducing foodborne illness risk factors by implementing food safety systems that include policies, training, and verification processes. Partners enrolled in the Cutting Edge Program receive an A+ when an A is earned.
Grading System The matrix below is used to grade food inspections under the voluntary grading system.
A B B B B B B B C C C C C C D D
Priority 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 2 2 2 3
Priority Foundation 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 5 3 4 0 1 2 3 0

Any legal action for a pattern of non-compliance or permit suspension results in a D.